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| Man City 3-1 Barça – Player Ratings |
It was not the result Barça searched for at the Etihad as the Catalans suffered a 3-1 loss to Manchester City which means they will have to wait until their next game to qualify for the next round.
Barça did well in the first half but everything crumbled in the second and Manchester City capitalised on lack of concentration to down the visitors. Lionel Messi got the opener after 21 minutes but Ilkay Gündogan equalised 20 minutes later before making it 3-1 in the second half after De Bruyne gave the hosts the lead. Here’s how the Barça players fared.
MAN CITY 3-1 BARÇA – PLAYER RATINGS
MARC ANDRÉ TER STEGEN – 5.5
Should’ve done better to keep out De Bruyne’s free kick. Saved a Gündogan shot straight at him and was helpless for the other two goals. Didn’t have many meaningful occasions.
SERGI ROBERTO – 4.0
One of his worst games so far this season as his concentration was zero throughout the game. His misplaced pass led to Man City’s opener. Was bad.
JAVIER MASCHERANO – 6.5
One of the few Barça players who can be said to have played better than average. Made some really great tackles and his experience was the reason Barça didn’t concede more.
SAMUEL UMTITI – 6.5
Not a bad game, not a great one either, more great than he was bad though. Was lucky not to give a penalty after a poor tackle on Sterling inside the box. Solid game overall. Great addition.
LUCAS DIGNE – 4.5
A weak game by the frenchman as Man City exploited his position on numerous occasions. Was lucky to not get booked after a bad pull back on Sterling and was easily beaten by Agüero on occasions. Had a hand in City’s second goal. Not a good game.
IVÁN RAKITIC – 5.0
Worked very hard as always but didn’t get things write when going forward. Picked up a yellow card for a late challenge on Gündogan in the first half and was sacrificed for Arda in the second.
SERGIO BUSQUETS – 4.0
Bad game.. had a lot of work to do and just couldn’t.. Pep Guardiola sae his rustiness and kept on pressing him. Gave away many fouls. Lost many balls. Was caught on the ball on many occasions.
ANDRÉ GOMES – 6.5
One of the few bright spots.. his first half was superb. Did well overall in midfield but could’ve done better with the chance presented to him by Suárez as he could only strike the crossbar.
LIONEL MESSI – 6.5
Scored the opener after a great link up with Neymar and a great finish. Found it hard to get into the game after the break as he was isolated and Barça had to use the other flank more.
LUIS SUAREZ – 4.5
Still on his bad form… destroyed the team’s attack on so many occasions and could’ve done far better than hid performance.. did well to set up Gomes for Barça’s biggest chance if the second half.
NEYMAR – 6.0
The liveliest in attack for Barça in the first half.. did well to move the ball forward and assist Messi’s goal.. came close to getting one for himself minutes later. Was non-existent in the second half though.
SUBSTITUTES…
ARDA TURAN – 5.0
Brought on for Rakitic for the final 20 minutes of the game and couldn’t add anything.
RAFINHA – N/A
Replaced Gomes for the final 15 minutes and it was as if he didn’t play.
LUIS ENRIQUE – 4.0
Approached the game wrongly in the second half, didn’t look to motivate his team and his subs didn’t do anything.
TEAM: 5.0
Good first half, terrible second half.. average. Didn’t play with much flow and enthusiasm.. been the recent routine.. no individual masterclass to bail them this time sadly.